Spectrum management in Latin America: impacts on economic and social development

Assigning radio spectrum to those who can make the most efficient use of it is crucial to maximise the socioeconomic benefits derived from digital services and infrastructure. In Latin America, mobile connectivity remains the foremost form of internet connectivity, particularly because for many it is the only form of connectivity. However, to provide mobile internet services, operators need access to spectrum licences.

Poor spectrum management is one of the main barriers to reducing the mobile internet usage and coverage gaps and unlocking the economic benefits of the digital transformation. In the next few years, 5G in particular will represent a unique opportunity for the economic transformation of Latin America, as a result of several use cases that will have a direct or indirect impact on the region’s productivity and GDP.

This is why spectrum assignments and management are key to the development of digital infrastructure that enables widespread deployments of next-generation internet services and their related benefits for both users and the economy.